SRK caught in BMC violation act

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed actor Shah Rukh Khan to file an affidavit showing cause for not admitting a public interest litigation against him by January 31, 2007.

The court said that the construction of a building by the actor violates provisions of the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act and the Development Control Regulations.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice H S Bedi and Justice V M Kanade were hearing the PIL filed by Bhrashtachar Nirmoolan Sanghatna, alleging that the BMC Act and DCR provisions state that while any new construction is coming up, a 9.15 metre stretch has to be left for the purpose of road widening.

Shah Rukh Khan had neglected to leave the same while constructing the building.

If the roadline has to be deleted, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has to issue a public notice and invite objections to the same, Advocate Shakuntala Joshi, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, said.

She added that the provisions were not followed in Shah Rukh Khan's case and the MCGM permitted for deleting the street parallel to Mannat (SRK's bungalow) and the building being constructed, connecting the Mount Mary Church with Band Stand at Bandra.

She said the road in dispute is widely used especially during the Mount Mary fair and any other festival by the residents as well as visitors for travelling and parking.